Brian Silvester was born into a sea-faring family. As a youth, he fished the North Sea with his father in a Grimsby trawler. At the age of 16, he left home and apprenticed as a ship’s officer in the Merchant Navy receiving his Master Mariner Certificate in 1963.
The following year he took the examination of competency for Extra Master, something few in his field have done. Brian shipped around the world in the Merchant Navy and later, closer to shore, worked for the Canadian Coastguard.
In 1971, after 20 years at sea, he took a job as Coordinator and instructor of Nautical Training at Camosun, a position he held for 28 years. As well, he taught related courses through Camosun’s Community Education Services for several decades.
Today, Camosun’s Nautical Training program is Transport Canada Certified and prepares students for careers as professional seafarers.
Upon retirement Brian formed a partnership with Capt. Bob Kitching offering marine training at the Western Maritime Academy. In recognition for his service to the marine industry Brian was honoured with a Fellowship in the Nautical Institute.
Submitted by Faye Ferguson, CCARE